ADRIAN, Mich. The largest biodiesel plant in Michigan has begun operating here.

Biofuel Industries Group LLC, a private holding company that owns several alternative energy operations, opened the 20 million-gallon biodiesel facility. It has the capacity to produce as much as 100 million gallons annually.

The plant is the states first to be built in a designated Renewable Energy Renaissance Zone. It will produce NextDiesel brand biodiesel fuel that can be used in any diesel engine, as well as NextHeat biodiesel for home heating.

The highly automated plant reportedly does not emit greenhouse gases and uses only recycled water during its production process. For feedstock, it can use vegetable oils, waste oils and greases, and animal fat.

For more information, go to www.nextdiesel.net.

More biodiesel in Minnesota?

The governor of Minnesota wants to expand the state biodiesel requirement from B2 to B20 during the next eight years.

The governors initiative would boost the level of biodiesel sold in Minnesota from the current 2 percent to 20 percent by 2015. Gov. Tim Pawlenty plans to present his plan to the legislature during the regular 2008 session.

"Minnesota has led the nation in unleashing a renewable energy revolution," said Pawlenty. "Other states are starting to catch on, and it's time for us to continue to blaze the trail to a cleaner, more secure energy future. Increasing the level of biodiesel in diesel fuel means that more of our energy will come from farm fields rather than oil fields, and that's a good thing."

Biodiesel in Minnesota is made primarily from soybean oil. It originally was added to Minnesota diesel fuel supplies at the 2 percent level in September 2005. Under provisions of Pawlenty's plan, Minnesota would move to a 5 percent biodiesel fuel blend by 2008, 10 percent by 2011, 15 percent by 2013 and ultimately to 20 percent by 2015.